There are always fan favorites that emerge throughout the postseason for most teams. And former CFL standout quarterback Nathan Rourke did exactly that for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Unfortunately, his impressive preseason performance did not earn him a spot on the Jaguars 53-man roster.
Rourke played in all three preseason games for the Jaguars as he was competing with veteran quarterback C.J. Beathard for the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Trevor Lawrence.
He did all he could to earn a roster spot, completing 23 of 35 passes for 348 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in the preseason.
Rourke also passed the eye test, as he was perhaps best known for an unbelievable touchdown pass with a Dallas Cowboys defender draped all over him in the Jaguars’ first preseason game.
It's not over until Nathan says it's over.@nathan_rourke | #JAXvsDAL on CBS pic.twitter.com/LGOpiBRvOw
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 12, 2023
Despite his best efforts, Rourke was waived by the Jaguars on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s deadline for each team to have their finalized 53-man roster.
The #Jaguars waived QB Nathan Rourke, per source. The former Ohio U and CFL standout had a strong preseason and could return on the practice squad, if he clears waivers.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 28, 2023
Fans took notice of this news and are now hoping that he finds his way onto another team.
This is probably the best move for Nathan Rourke’s career. Got a full NFL offseason and a ton of exposure under his belt with Jacksonville and now has a chance to land in a spot where he’ll have a much clearer path to reps. https://t.co/h5F8k0wL4X
— karan (@905Kar) August 28, 2023
Nathan Rourke was just waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Great opportunity for him to be a #2 QB on another team.
Falcons ? Giants ? Rams ? Broncos ? Washington ? Packers ?
So many good opportunities…pic.twitter.com/8JqOjSmm2C
— AGN (@AGN45) August 29, 2023
The #Jaguars have waived QB Nathan Rourke, per @TomPelissero
He made the CRAZIEST play of the entire 2023 preseasonpic.twitter.com/LPkr3Sxf3u
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) August 28, 2023
QB Nathan Rourke has been released by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Which team should sign him?pic.twitter.com/N1QEahzjHh
— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) August 29, 2023
It wasn’t just THIS play from Nathan Rourke.
I liked his poise. I liked his reads.
He should find another NFL team VERY quickly. https://t.co/eoXotPYXmU
— John Frascella (Football) (@LegendSports7) August 29, 2023
The Bengals need to put a claim on Nathan Rourke and make him their QB2 pic.twitter.com/tbMCujD68L
— The Sportsdudeheinz Show (@SdudeHeinzShow) August 29, 2023
Truth be told, Rourke was never going to play even if he made the Jaguars roster unless Trevor Lawrence suffered a significant injury.
While getting cut by the team is obviously not good for him short term, his impressive preseason performance could end up getting him some interest from a team where there is a far clearer chance of actually seeing the field.
